The most Interesting Galapagos Lobster Facts

The Galapagos archipelago is home to different marine species 🦈🐠🦑🐡 and among them the Galapagos lobster, of which we will find two species on the islands; the red lobster 🦞 (Panulirus penicillatus) and the green lobster (Panulirus gracillus). 

In this post, we would like to introduce you to some of the most interesting facts about this crustacean and its great importance to the islands, and that you should undoubtedly taste, during your next vacations in the Galapagos Islands 🏝️🐢.

Characteristics of the Galapagos lobster

The Galapagos lobsters are characterized by the absence of claws. They have two front horns on the carapace, numerous dorsal spines, as well as large, thick antennae with spines. The body length of this specimen averages about 300 mm (30 cm), although males are generally larger than females.

The main visible difference between the two species of lobsters that inhabit the Galapagos is the color of their bodies, which are red 🦞 and green, a characteristic from which they are named. It is important to note that, in Galapagos, the green lobster tends to be larger than the red one. The diet of these crustaceans includes small mollusks, other crustaceans, sea urchins, and organic matter.

Habitat of the Galapagos lobster

The red lobster 🦞 lives in shallow rocky areas with clear waters. While the green lobster prefers rocky and sandy bottoms with cloudy waters, typical of bays with mangroves.

The Red lobsters 🦞 can be seen in groups of more than 20 individuals of different sizes, in caves and lava tunnels (this behavior occurs during the day and at night the locusts separate to get food). While green lobsters are solitary or can sometimes be seen in pairs.

Other interesting facts

• The Galapagos lobster is also known as the spiny lobster.
• Lobsters share the Galapagos archipelago with the slipper lobster (Scyllarides astori).
• Lobsters have an important role as purifiers of marine ecosystems (they feed on the remains of some marine animals).
• Lobsters represent a high economic income for the fishermen of the Galapagos archipelago, generating amounts of around 1’752 815 USD and jobs for 300-400 fishermen.

These delightful crustaceans are an important part of the gastronomic offer of the islands. Without a doubt, on your next vacations to Galapagos on one of the best available cruises or even on an island-hooping tour, you cannot miss the opportunity to taste this spectacular traditional Galapagos dish 🦞😋. 

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